How to do Halasana (Plough Pose)

Plough is a popular farming tool to prepare the soil for agricultural purposes, in the same way, halasana also prepares the body and mind for yogic purposes.

Steps to do Halasana

Lie on your back with your legs straight and arms beside you, and palms facing downwards. Inhale and slowly raise your legs vertically at a 90 degree angle, off the floor, by using your abdominal muscles only and pressing the palms against the floor. Do this very slowly and gently. Make sure that your back is perpendicular to the floor. In the process, you may feel a pull in your neck, do not strain your neck or push it into the ground. Breath normally and support your hips with your hands, as in sarvangasana, to further bend the legs over your head. This may seem very difficult initially, but regular practice will make you comfortable.

Image Credit: halasana-energyenhancement.org

In the final pose, your toes should touch the ground comfortably, hold this pose for 2-3 minutes or for a comfortable period of time.. To release the pose, bring your legs down while exhaling and without jerking your body.

Halasana is generally performed immediately after the sarvangasana (shoulder stand pose).

Variation 1:

Walk the feet away from the head until the body is completely rolled with a tight chin lock.